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Anyone willing to comment on if they think this chair is the real deal?

Photos can be seen on my Flickr...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23676403@N07/sets/72157622682461436/

I saw this chair (actually a pair) in a Palm Beach, FL antique store...certainly a wealthy enough community to have a real Ming or Qing chair.

It has a blue label with some Chinese writing on it (written in fountain pen). Anyone know what the label might be saying?

The piece looks to be made of Jichimu wood, but it also looks like someone put a red finish and some gold gilding on the chair at a later time. You can see in the areas where there is wear from being sat in that the natural wood grain and color is different and very beautiful. Does anyone think the finish is original?

The underside of the seat is unfinished and very dark / almost black from age.

Overall, the piece looks very used....the foot rest (photo) shows the wear and grain of wood.

The back of the chair is carved with a bat hanging down and a panel with a flowering tree, but otherwise the decor is very subtle.

They're asking $600 for the pair.

I'd appreciate any recommendations and opinions.

Footrest does not show 100 years of wear. Can make same effect by sanding off a little of finish.

Evaluation for "Ming or Qing" need to be in person, detailed look at construction and finish in every area.

Have been many reproductions in past 30 years, also many many many fakes.

Color underside can be stain. Should not be different color from lower surface of arms.

Good luck,
Cal

It looks to be elm wood chair from 19th to republic period, not made from Jichimu. The dark lacquer seems original to the chair. I think the price is fair. Chinese Hardwood furniture are very hard to find as much were shipped back to China in the past few years.

It looks to be elm wood chair from 19th to republic period, not made from Jichimu. The dark lacquer seems original to the chair. I think the price is fair. Chinese Hardwood furniture are very hard to find as much were shipped back to China in the past few years.

may be early, but does as kk points out not seem to be a high density exotic hardwood. the style is provincial, the carving to the back consistent with deciduous timber, the hardwood carvings crisper. difficult to see the timber, but given the lacquered surface / provincial style, unlikely jichimu.

Definitely a Qing style chair. Get it without hesitation if I were you.

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